Details of the annual Christmas produce market have made their way to the media. It’s the last chance till *May* to buy local produce and products from local suppliers. Shame, 'cos there are some bargains and quality products on offer. But after December, we'll have to wait.The produce market’s open just five times in the summer and once near Christmas. And the stallholders pack away by 3 p.m. and at Christmas, it’s two hours earlier than that! If, in the face of corporate stores, we’re being encouraged to support local producers, why not make it easier?
Compare this to Tesco. It’s open 8-10 six days and also on Sundays.
It’s true that there’s something quaint about an array of pretty stalls collected around the Old Gaol courtyard. It certainly has an allure. And it’s definitely worth a visit. But does it do the business? If local producers are serious about supplying us something out of the ordinary, something with a genuine taste, if they really want to fly the flag for local produce and offer locals a real alternative, could they not rent a lock up shop and make the market more permanent?
That would be good for the town and good for the farming and independent food community.
We’re not suggested 8-10 though that would be nice but what about 10-6 at least four days a week between spring and autumn? Or even every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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Markets